Chinese Dragon Dance
One of the highlights of the
Chinese
New Year celebration is the spectacular Dragon Dance.
It's history goes back to
the Han Dynasty (180 - 230 CE) in ancient China. The Chinese have always
perceived the dragon as being sacred and possessing power, courage,
righteousness, dignity, fertility, wisdom, and auspiciousness.
Chinese New Year
festivities celebrate the outset of the planting season in
China. The dragon represents rain and good fortune, elements crucial for
the agricultural crops. This mythical beast takes the physical form of
many animals; it has the horns of a stag, the ears of a bull, the eyes
of a rabbit, the claws of a tiger, and the scales of a fish distributed
along the body of a long serpent. It was believed these combined traits
allowed the creature to walk on land, fly through the heavens, and swim
through the waters. These powers gives the dragon the authority to rule
the clouds and to control the rain.
The Dragon Dance requires the coordinated efforts of a team of dancers
who come from martial arts groups. The dragon consists of a head mask
and a lengthy body which is held up with poles and transported by the
dancers. The lead dancer holding the dragon's head has an extremely
important job. He or she makes the dragon twist, leap, crouch, and dip,
as sinuous as a snake.
The dragon mask itself, usually colored red, green, or gold, is gorgeous
and very complex in design. Sometimes the head has animation and
pyrotechnics that belch smoke. The number of body sections can vary,
sometimes using as many as 25 sections divided by hoops of bamboo. The
longer the dragon, the more good fortune.
The dragon is difficult to manipulate and requires well-trained dancers
in top physical condition. The creature moves in precise patterns to the
music provided by drums, cymbals, and a gong. Onlookers throw
firecrackers at the dancing dragon's feet to scare away any evil
spirits and also to assure the beast is fully awake from its
hibernation.
The color green on the dragon stands for an extraordinary harvest,
yellow is for the solemn empire, prosperity is represented by gold or
silver, red is excitement, and the dragon's scales and tail are a
shimmering silver symbolizing joy.
At times, at larger celebrations, a spectator might see a Double Dragon
Dance where two groups of dancers intertwine their dragons in intricate
patterns. A truly rare performance involves nine dragons (Kawlung)
because nine is a perfect number. However, such performances
necessitate the coordinated efforts of several dance troupe.
Hopefully, visitors to Chinatown will have the opportunity to observe
the breathtaking, astounding Dragon Dance.
About the Author
See more on holidays at Niftykitchen.com Food and Cooking Tips. Terry Kaufman also writes for Niftyhomebar.com & Niftygarden.com ©2008 Terry Kaufman.